Tamil Nadu: Nellaiyappar temple elephant dies of illness, public pay tearful homage

Tirunelveli (Tamil Nadu): A 56-year-old elephant of the ancient Arulmigu Nellaiyappar – Goddess Gandhimathi Ambal Temple, one of the major Saivite temples in Tamil Nadu died after a prolonged illness here on Sunday.

Temple officials said the cow elephant, Gandhimathi had been battling chronic age-related illness, including osteoarthritis for a couple of years and it was under medical care.

The elephant collapsed and laid down on Saturday evening, following which a team of veterinary doctors from the State Animal Husbandry department administered medicines.

Senior officials from the Forest department also visited the ailing elephant.

Two cranes were used to get the elephant back to its feet, but it could not stand.

Despite intense treatment provided by the veterinary doctors, the elephant passed away this morning.

Hundreds of people have been paying tearful homage to their beloved elephant since this morning. The temple priests offered special prayers to the elephant.

The temple was temporarily closed for public darshan and would be thrown open after the elephant was laid to rest.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people have been paying tearful homage to their beloved elephant.

The temple priests offered special prayers to the elephant.Gandhimathi was donated to the temple by a philanthropist in 1985.